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I’m back with more 80’s movies that I love. Many of the movies on my list are in my current DVD collection (or they were in my VHS collection), but they are all things that I’ll watch over and over when I land on them on cable…

· Police Academy (1984)- I have no recollection of the first time I saw this (or any of the sequels) but I know my brother was involved. The sequels were not as good as the original which brought together a pathetic and slapstick group of individuals with a goal of becoming police officers. In the real world, most, if not all, of the group would’ve been drummed out of the academy for failing at least one aspect of the training. But of course, movies aren’t real and thus a ragtag group can come together to be exactly what is needed to stop the villain of the story and still graduate from the academy!

· Return of the Jedi (1983)- The third film of the Star Wars trilogy is one of those that shows that sequels can be better than the original. This is the only one of the trilogy that I remember seeing in the theater. And I still own my ewok! (Not to mention that one of my cat’s is named after my favorite ewok- Wicket!) This film finally ties up the story of the empire’s war with the rebels and demonstrates the Lucas was a sick bastard (we all remember that kiss between Luke & Leia in the last one, right? SIBLINGS!) And finally gave closure to those fans who ‘shipped Han & Leia. I’m not a huge fan of the stuff added to the series by Lucas but I do like the additional visuals in Jabba’s palace.

· Goonies (1985)- I have a perfect memory of seeing this film in a little 4-plex with my brother, pseudo-uncle, and quasi-cousins. The only thing that has made me sad since that first screening is that the octopus got cut. 😦 The kids in the movie develop a supportive, heart whelming group on a last adventure. I always wanted a Goonies ride at Disneyland.

· Explorers (1985)- Another film about a group of kids having the adventure of their lives… the difference is this group meets a pair of aliens. It’s quite a silly bit of fun, but it was a pretty great movie in it’s day. Plus, it’s a young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix. Bonus.

· Adventures in Babysitting (1987)- Saw this one during the summer of 87, with my summer babysitter. Always made me happy- especially the Thor stuff and the impromptu jazz routine. Never got in the middle of a gang war while riding the El train when I lived in Chicago. Kind of sad about that. Sort of. Anyways, this was one of the films that cemented my love for Keith Coogan.

· Witness (1985)- I wasn’t too big on dramas in the 80s (I was a kid, after all) (heck, I’m not too big on dramas now!) but this film stands out for many reasons. By 1985 I knew and had an understanding of the Amish as my grandparents lived in Ohio and when we visited, my dad would drive us out in the countryside and introduce us to the culture. Anyways, when I was a kid, I liked this movie because I liked Lukas Haas and Harrison Ford, but when I got older the story had more meaning.

· Legend (1985)- I have trouble including a Tom Cruise film since he’s crazy and stuff but for some reason I love this film. Probably due to Tim Curry’s perfection. Also, I’ve always wanted to get dressed up one year in the black outfit Mia Sara wears when she’s turning to evil…

· Star Trek IV- The Voyage Home (1986)- True story- my mom turned in a fake doctors appt to our schools in order to take my brother and I out to go see this movie when it came out. Kind of adore my mom. Anyways, one of my favorite places is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which feaures prominently in the movie. Also, the comedic moments when Scotty goes to the factory or Chekov kepts captured… so many good scenes!

· Revenge of the Nerds (1984)- I blame this on my brother. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this movie. The end scenes- where the Tri-Lams prove they are just as good, if not better than the Alpha’s are such fun.